Method for using a tissue stabilization device during surgery

Abstract

A method is described for stabilizing moving tissue within the body. The method comprises creating a first opening for primary surgical access into the body, and a second opening spaced apart from the first opening in the body. An elongated stem having a proximal end and a distal end is inserted into the second opening. A foot having an upper and a lower surface is inserted into the first opening. The lower surface of the foot is engaged with the moving tissue within the body. The distal end of the stem is releaseably attached to the foot. The proximal end of the stem may be held so as to stabilize the moving tissue within the body.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for stabilizing moving tissue within the body, said method comprising: a) creating a primary opening in the body for surgical access to the moving tissue within the body;   b) creating a secondary opening in the body which is smaller than said primary opening, said secondary opening spaced apart from said first opening, for access to the moving tissue within the body;   c) inserting an elongated stem, having a proximal end and a distal end, into said secondary opening;   d) inserting through said primary opening a foot having an upper surface and a lower surface; and   e) engaging the surface of the moving tissue within the body with said lower surface of said foot, releaseably attaching said foot to said distal end of said stem.   
     
     
       2. The method of claim 1 wherein said primary opening created is larger than said secondary opening. 
     
     
       3. The method of claim 1 further including the step of operating said stem so that said foot presses against the surface of the moving tissue to better stabilize the tissue. 
     
     
       4. The method of claim 1 wherein said stem has a lumen extending therethrough which communicates with said bottom surface of said foot, said method further including the step of connecting said stem to a vacuum source. 
     
     
       5. The method of claim 1 further including the step of attaching said proximal end of said stem to a holding means. 
     
     
       6. The method of claim 1 further including the step of inserting a trocar cannula into said secondary opening, wherein said trocar cannula is for receiving said stem. 
     
     
       7. The method of claim 1 wherein said step of creating said first incision comprises performing a thoracotomy. 
     
     
       8. The method of claim 1 further including the step of creating more than one secondary opening and inserting additional stems therethrough, and attaching distal ends of said additional stems to said foot. 
     
     
       9. A method for stabilizing a beating heart so as to perform a surgical procedure thereon, said method comprising: a) performing a thoracotomy on the body, thereby creating surgical access to the beating heart within the body;   b) creating a secondary opening in the body which is smaller than said first opening, said secondary opening spaced apart from said first opening, said second opening also giving access to the beating heart;   c) inserting a distal end of an elongated stem into and through said secondary opening;   d) inserting through said primary opening a housing, said housing comprising a pair of spaced apart feet having upper surfaces and lower surfaces;   e) engaging the surface of the beating heart with said lower surfaces of said feet such that an artery of the heart is placed between said feet; and   f) releaseably attaching said housing to said distal end of said stem.   
     
     
       10. The method of claim 9 further including the step of operating said stem so that said foot presses against the surface of the moving tissue to better stabilize the tissue. 
     
     
       11. The method of claim 9 wherein said stem has a lumen extending therethrough which communicates with said bottom surface of each said foot, said method further including the step of connecting said stem to a vacuum source. 
     
     
       12. The method of claim 9 further including the step of attaching said proximal end of said stem to a surgical retractor. 
     
     
       13. The method of claim 9 further including the step of inserting a trocar cannula into said secondary opening, wherein said trocar cannula is for receiving said stem. 
     
     
       14. The method of claim 9 wherein said step of creating said first incision comprises performing a thoracotomy. 
     
     
       15. A method for stabilizing moving tissue within the body, said method comprising: a) creating a primary opening in the body for surgical access to the moving tissue within the body;   b) creating a secondary opening in the body which is smaller than said first opening, said secondary opening spaced apart from said first opening, for access to the moving tissue within the body;   c) inserting an elongated stem, having a proximal end and a distal end, into said secondary opening;   d) inserting through said primary opening a foot having an upper surface and a lower surface;   e) engaging the surface of the moving tissue within the body with said lower surface of said foot;   f) attaching said foot to said distal end of said stem; and   g) attaching said stem to a surgical retractor.   
     
     
       16. The method of claim 15 wherein said stem has a lumen which communicates with said bottom surface of said foot, said method further including the step of connecting said stem to a vacuum source. 
     
     
       17. The method of claim 15 further including the step of attaching said proximal end of said stem to a holding means. 
     
     
       18. The method of claim 15 wherein said distal end of said stem has a grasper which grasps onto a ball joint of said foot, said step of attaching said foot to said distal end of said stem including closing said grasper onto said ball joint of said foot.